Author

Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

My ancestry includes Okanagan Syilx and Northern Cree. I was born and raised on the unceded territory of the Penticton Indian Reserve. My journalism experience includes working as the Indigenous correspondent for Global Okanagan. I am passionate about representing Indigenous Peoples in today’s world, while respecting and acknowledging history, following traditional protocol, and producing truthful work with integrity as an Indigenous woman.

Athena’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Athena's Latest Articles

Hector Alec sits in front of his wall filled with his artwork at his home.

syilx artist rediscovers the joy of drawing after stopping for 40 years

By Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative reporter ● Okanagan ● March 3, 2022 July 11, 2022

Hector Alec, a syilx artist and member of the Penticton Indian Band, is an emerging free-hand artist who combines traditional and modern elements.

How snk̓lip brought salmon to snpinktn

By Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative reporter ● Okanagan ● February 6, 2022 January 31, 2023

The shortened captikʷl on the syilx Place Name qʷc̓iʔs snk̓lip (coyote’s winter home)

Athena Bonneau syilx and Northern Cree Storyteller shares her intentions for 2022

Athena Bonneau syilx and Northern Cree storyteller shares her intentions for 2022

By Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative reporter ● Okanagan ● February 3, 2022 July 11, 2022

“I still have a lot to learn,” says Athena Bonneau

An Indigenous man wearing a black hoodie with an Indigenous art design on the front. He is standing in front of three of his colourful paintings hanging on a white wall.

syilx artist David Wilson Sookinakin has three paintings featured in a new exhibition

By Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative reporter ● Okanagan ● January 31, 2022 August 3, 2022

Local Indigenous artwork from UBC Okanagan’s public art collection is now featured in the Ramble On exhibit at Vernon Public Art Gallery until March 9

Cree author’s poetry book meant to empower Indigenous kids

Cree author’s poetry book meant to empower Indigenous kids

By Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative reporter ● Okanagan ● January 14, 2022 July 11, 2022

The Way Creator Sees You by Shayla Raine is intended to help children embrace their Indigenous heritage and features

B.C. Human Rights Commissioner's new report outlines racial disparities found in policing towards Indigenous Peoples

Systemic racism in policing across unceded territories in B.C. demands reform says Human Rights Commissioner

By Athena Bonneau, Local Journalism Initiative reporter ● Okanagan ● November 26, 2021 July 11, 2022

New report shows Indigenous Peoples are ‘grossly overrepresented’ in arrests and chargeable incidents.